China eyes 2022 bid as it prepares for Sochi Games_美文

China eyes 2022 bid as it prepares for Sochi Games

China bagged five gold, two silver and four bronze medals at the Vancouver Games, raising the nation's all-time Winter Olympics gold medal haul to nine since its debut at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, the United States, in 1980.

Xiao said China expects to win two or three gold medals this year in speed skating, figure skating and freestyle aerial skiing - areas in which China has traditionally performed well.

China's short-track speed skating team, which took home four gold medals in Vancouver, suffered a blow when four-time Olympic titlist skater Wang Meng broke her right ankle after colliding with a male teammate during a training session in Shanghai.

Zhao Yinggang, director of the winter sports administration, confirmed on Sunday that Wang will not compete in the Games.

"It isn't realistic for her to resume training quickly after suffering from such a severe injury. Participating in the Olympics means a lot to every athlete, but this isn't the end of her career. Wang has a positive mindset during this tough moment," Zhao said.

Two-time Olympian Zhou Yang and world champion titlist Liu Qiuhong will lead the short-track contingent in the women's 500m and 3,000m relay races. China is also expected to perform well in the men's 1,000m race.

In figure skating, Olympic silver-winning pair Pang Qing and Tong Jian will lead a squad mixed with experience and youth.

"Because of my age, my fitness and skills may have declined. But the chemistry with my partner, who is now my girlfriend, will strengthen our artistic performance. We hope for a perfect ending this time," said Tong, who at 34 is the oldest athlete in the delegation.